Apollo’s interference in Aeneas’ choice reinforces the characters as puppets for the gods’ entertainment. When events turn fatal between the two soldiers, Poseidon, god of earthquakes, “called the gods at once who grouped around him” (20.335-336). When the Gods are not intruding in mortal combat, they act as spectators who are only captivated when a turn of events occur. “Now, I tell you, my heart aches for great Aeneas! He’ll go down to the House of Death this instant... all because he trusted the Archer’s urgings. Poor fool...” (20.337-339). Poseidon’s use of “heart ache” gives off a tone of mockery for Aeneas’ foolish trust in Apollo. The gods referring to the fighter as a “poor fool” suggests pity as if his decision makes him dense when
